Season outlooks for Galaxy, Chivas USA

Who will be the designated player to replace (springtime in Paris) David Beckham? How will Landon Donovan, who has taken a hiatus from soccer, play upon his return at the end of March? What magic will Coach Bruce Arena be able to conjure this year as he and the Galaxy try to win a record third consecutive title?

After a horrible start last season (3-8-2), the Galaxy closed the regular season with only two losses in the final 16 matches. It all came together late, particularly up front, where Robbie Keane showed his quality for all to see, finishing with 16 goals.

The defense will receive a huge boost with the return of center back Omar Gonzalez from a knee injury. The acquisition of goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini from Tottenham on a free transfer should help shore up a problem spot.

On the bench, Arena continues to have an uncanny ability to extract the most from veterans and youngsters alike.

A soccer three-peat in Los Angeles? Do not bet against it.

CHIVAS USA

The northern outpost of the Mexican club Chivas Guadalajara has had meager success since joining the league in 2005. The club has been unable to define its identity: Is it a Mexican club playing in the United States? Is it a worthy rival to the Galaxy, with whom it shares The Home Depot Center? After employing U.S. coaches (Bob Bradley, Preki and Robin Fraser) for a spell, Chivas USA is back in the hands of a Mexican coach, Jose Luis Sanchez Sola, known as Chelis.

And boy, did he clean house. Most recently, Chivas USA practically gifted designated player Shalrie Joseph to Seattle. Also off the books are the highly paid Juan Pablo Angel, Alejandro Moreno and Danny Califf.

A lot of allocation money came free so expect a lot more movement. During the preseason, Chelis had the services of a handful of Chivas players, none of whom was on the official roster. Chelis will be another coaching import trying to navigate the often Byzantine rules of MLS. Buena suerte.

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